How To Help Your Senior Parent Get Better Sleep

If your senior parent is having a hard time sleeping, there may be some things that you can do to help them get more sleep and better quality sleep. Sleep is essential for good health, especially for seniors. Not getting enough sleep can impact your senior parent’s physical, mental, and cognitive health. 24-hour home care services are a great way to make sure that it’s not anxiety that is interfering with your senior parent’s sleep.

24-Hour Home Care Fair Lawn, NJ – How To Help Your Senior Parent Get Better Sleep

But anxiety can also make it difficult for seniors to get quality sleep. Seniors who live alone are often anxious at night. Your senior parent may be worrying at night about what would happen to them in an emergency, or how they would get help if they had an accident or a fall. They may also be lonely or worried about being the victim of a break-in.

With 24-hour home care, your senior parent will be a lot more relaxed because they will know that they won’t be alone at night. Knowing your senior parent isn’t alone in their home overnight can make you feel better, too.

There are many other reasons why seniors typically have a hard time getting the sleep they need. Changes in hormones, natural aging, side effects from medications, and health problems are the most common reasons why seniors aren’t getting the sleep they need.

In addition to getting 24-hour home care for your senior parent, you can do these things to help them get better sleep:

Create a Sleep Schedule

Help your parent go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. A regular sleep schedule helps the body know when it’s time to rest. If they take naps, try to keep them short and early in the day. Long or late naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Over time, a routine can help them fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Make the Bedroom Comfortable

The sleeping space should be quiet, dark, and cool. Too much light or noise can disturb sleep. Use blackout curtains to block streetlights or early morning sun. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. A fan or white noise machine can help block out sounds. Also, make sure their mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Looking at phones, tablets, or TVs right before bed can make it harder to fall asleep. These screens give off blue light, which tricks the brain into thinking it’s still daytime. Try to turn off screens at least one hour before bed. Instead, help them find a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book, listening to calm music, or taking a warm bath.

Watch What They Eat and Drink

What your parent eats or drinks can affect their sleep. Avoid caffeine (like coffee, tea, or soda) in the afternoon and evening. Caffeine can stay in the body for hours and keep them awake. Also, try not to give them big meals or spicy foods right before bed. These can cause stomach problems and make it hard to sleep. Drinking too much water at night can also lead to waking up often to use the bathroom.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring 24-Hour Home Care Services in Fair Lawn, NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC.

Providing in-home senior care, servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.